Haredi Jews, or Ultra-Orthodox Jews, refers to a socio-religious demographic of Jewish people that follow strict interpretations of Torah, halachah (Jewish traditions) and rabbinical decrees.
Haredi Jews are not a monolithic group, and have many ideological beliefs and differences sect to sect. Some characteristics that are often shared are cultural. Haredi Jews often wear old shtetl-style black and white clothing with distinct hats, have large families with a focus on the family unit, and live in neighbourhoods with predominantly Haredi families.
Ideologically, haredi Jews vary on zionism, but often believe in separation of genders in public spaces, are against public life and works on shabbat, and are often antagonistic to many manifestations of technology. Haredi youth are expected to learn Jewish scriptures in Yeshivas until they are married.
There are about 1.8 million haredi Jews in the world, many living in Europe, the United States, and Israel. In Israel Haredim make up about 12% of the population. There are haredi parties in the Israeli Knesset, such as Shas, United Torah Judaism, Noam, and Yachad.
One conflict between haredi Jews and other cleavages in Israeli society is military service. In the past there have been protests against the conscription of haredi men into the Israel Defense Forces (IDF). Laws have previously been passed to compromise and preclude haredi men from conscription. Another point of contention has in the past been haredi representation in the workforce, but the number of haredi Jews integrating into the workforce has been increasing.
Video footage seen by The Jerusalem Post shows protesters sitting on the road and blocking vehicles, before being forcefully cleared by police officers.
History suggests that when segments of society are perceived as avoiding shared sacrifice during existential threats, the resulting social tensions can persist for generations.
As a descendant of Holocaust survivors myself, I inherited traumatic Holocaust memories that have accompanied me throughout my life.
Rabbi Meir Mazuz, leader of Kisse Rahamim Yeshiva and a key figure in Israeli politics, has passed away at 80, leaving a lasting impact on Torah study and the Jewish community.
Israel Democracy Institute found that 68% of respondents would prioritize returning the hostages, compared to 25% who would prioritize toppling Hamas.
Thousands march in Jerusalem for equal military service burden, demanding government action for widespread recruitment. "We bear the burden, but we demand immediate change," protesters say.
Age may indeed bring wisdom, but it does not guarantee it. When tradition is used to prevent education, economic participation, and basic civic equality, it becomes not a virtue but a vice.
The movie carries a feeling of authenticity because it was written by Mindi Ehrlich, a woman from a haredi family who left the community.
From the ground up, quietly and courageously, individuals and families are making choices that do not reject tradition but embody it differently.
Police said that the protest erupted into violence, as the demonstrators blocked Jerusalem's Shmuel Hanavi street.
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